Starting a Business in the City of Jefferson

Home-Based Businesses –Many citizens in Jefferson have opened Home-Based Businesses. There is a one-time fee of $80 for a home occupation permit and the business needs to comply with Chapter 11.4 of the Land Use Management Code.

Starting a Restaurant in an existing facility – First order of business is to obtain a Food Service Permit from the Jackson County Environmental Health Department located at 260 Lee Street, Jefferson, Ga 30549. Ph. 706-367-5204. Applicant must obtain an Occupational / Business License from the City of Jefferson.

Starting a Restaurant in a new facility – This would require a meeting with our Planning Department at 147 Athens Street, Jefferson, Ga. 30549, PH. 706-367-5011 to check zoning, etc. and to submit building plans and obtain building permits. Applicant would be required to obtain a Food Service Permit from the Jackson County Environmental Health Department and obtain an Occupational / Business License from the City of Jefferson.

New office or commercial business – This would require a visit to the City of Jefferson Planning Department at 147 Athens Street. Ph. 706-367-5011 for zoning and development review. Applicant would need to obtain an Occupational / Business License from the City of Jefferson.

All large scale commercial or industrial businesses – This would require a visit to the City of Jefferson Planning Department at 147 Athens Street. Ph. 706-367-5011 for zoning and development review. Applicant would need to obtain an Occupational / Business License from the City of Jefferson.

Opportunity Zone

The City of Jefferson has designated several areas within the city limits as redevelopment areas. The Department of Community affairs has approved these areas as an Opportunity Zone. If you choose to locate a new business or start-up within a designated Opportunity Zone and plan to hire at least two employees, then you can claim tax credits to assist with your new business location or start-up.